Capybara - Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

Large rodent from South America that might have
originated from escapes from a wildlife research facility.
Population size, trends, and impact on native species are unknown.
Although not reported breeding in the wild, sightings are not
uncommon, and a breeding population may exist.

County

First Year

Extirpated Year

Breeding status

Notes

ALACHUA

2000

Not reported breeding

Some animals reportedly escaped from captive herd in 2001

BRADFORD

1990s

Not reported breeding

UNION

1995

Not reported breeding

Animal killed on Interstate 10 in 2001

SARASOTA

2001

Not reported breeding

Adult animal killed on State Road 72 just east of the Myakka
River bridge (P. Beshoff, FDEP, Myakka River State Park, personal
communication)